Sac State’s Darnell Sankey named first team All-Big Sky

Linebacker Darnell Sankey takes a break on there sideline during practice at Sac State on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 in Sacramento. Randy Penchrpench@sacbee.com

Linebacker Darnell Sankey takes a break on there sideline during practice at Sac State on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 in Sacramento. Randy Penchrpench@sacbee.com

Sacramento State senior linebacker Darnell Sankey made the first team and senior wide receiver Shane Harrison was voted to the third team to highlight five Hornets on this year’s All-Big Sky Conference football team.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Sankey finished the season ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision and first in the Big Sky with 153 total tackles, one short of the school record. The San Jose native had a school record 27 tackles against Weber State and ended his career ranked fourth in school history with 330 career tackles.

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Harrison led Sac State in receiving with 71 receptions for 907 yards and eight touchdowns.

Three Cal Poly players with area roots also were named to the team. Former Folsom High stars Stephen Sippel, a senior center, and senior linebacker Burton De Koning made third team, and former Sheldon High defensive lineman Marcus Paige-Allen of Cal Poly was honorable mention.

Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year went to Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Defensive end James Cowser of Southern Utah was Defensive Player of the Year.

Northern Arizona quarterback Case Cookus and North Dakota running back John Santiago shared Freshman of the Year honors. Portland State quarterback Alex Kuresa was the Newcomer of the Year.